The Rainbow House

As Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” The Rainbow House is an environment elevated beyond the ordinary, imagined by musician and homeowner Charlie Freeman. Over the years, some of the world’s leading musicians have recorded and performed amidst its idiosyncratic interiors. Set for vibrant city living, this is a home with unparalleled magnetism and artistry.   

Step inside the entrance hall, where a namesake fiberglass staircase sets a benchmark of creativity. Its spiraling steps wind through a spectrum of paint box hues, designed by AB Rogers – a firm synonymous with bold colours and compelling structural invention. Walls are finished in an ultra-white stucco, lending attention to this kaleidoscope of tones. It ascends to the open-plan dining room and kitchen – a dialogue of light, materiality and playfulness. Dark chevron floors and exposed brick walls afford a compelling, textural backdrop for reclaimed furnishings. An entertainers’ dream, there’s effortless flow between the kitchen and dining zones. Taking centre stage, a gilded slide emerges from the ceiling, igniting curiosity to explore the rest of the home.  

The second-floor master bedroom is a sanctuary of light and serenity, illuminated through skylights and triple-aspect windows. Store treasured garments in the floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobes, which amplify the voluminous sense of space. At one end, a black-framed four-poster bed sits against an exposed brick wall; at the other, a free-standing bath tub awaits luxurious soaks after a day in the city. There’s literal meaning to the phrase ‘slide out of bed’: lift the trapdoor hatch to slide into the living space downstairs. Across a glass bridge, reach the west-facing roof terrace – an alfresco spot tailor-made for morning coffees and evening sundowners. 

There’s plenty of space for guests too, with a dedicated bedroom suite on the first floor and a basement level which can sleep up to eight; it’s all dark floors and walls, with a pool table and kitchen. The perfect setting to kick back and relax – all the way into the wee hours.